Ohio State was looking for a kicker and it didn’t take them long to find one, picking up a commitment from Oldham County’s Sean Nuernberger after a kicking camp in Columbus June 12.
Nuernberger, a first team All-State kicker for the Colonels and Ohio State’s 10th commitment for the 2014 class, said it was an easy decision after the coaching staff offered. So easy that he accepted on the spot.
“There were lots of guys there, and he said the best there would be offered the scholarship,” Nuernberger said. “So I prepared for a while, went out and did my job and won the scholarship. I knew Ohio State was the school for me so I committed as soon as possible.”
While the allure of a school like Ohio State would be tough for any athlete to pass up, the chance of immediate playing sweetened the pot, Nuernberger said. With starting kicker Drew Basil moving on after next season, Nuernberger will have the opportunity to start from day one.
That wasn’t the only thing that made an impression though.
“The great history of the school, the commitment to excellence, and the great academics are the main reasons Ohio State stood out to me. Their facilities are also best in the country and there is no other place is rather bring my game to the next level. It’s a huge honor and privilege to be able to wear an Ohio State uniform. I don’t think there is anything like it in the country, it still hasn’t sunk in to be honest.”
Nuernberger was also being recruited by a few other schools, but said nothing could compare to the chance to wear the scarlet and gray and kick in the Horseshoe.
“I attended Alabama a few days before, and I planned on going to Notre Dame and also Louisville, with a chance of flying out to Stanford at the end of June,” Nuernberger said. “OSU was by far my top pick all season long, so I knew if it worked out I’d be hanging out in Columbus the next four years.”
Now, the goal is just to prepare for what awaits him in the Big 10.
“I’m unbelievably excited for 2014, and ready to make my family and hometown proud,” Nuernberger said “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my great family and girlfriend of many years. Also, I have worked with coach Dick Seitz for the last year, and he has worked magic bringing my kicking to the next level.”
As a junior, Nuernberger made seven of 12 field goals with a long of 46. He also made 29 of 32 extra point attempts.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BARRY GARY

Oldham County kicker Sean Nuernberger committed to the Ohio State University June 12. He is the 10th commitment in the Buckeyes’ 2014 class.